The great problems of modern mystical philosophy
One of the great problems of modern mystical philosophy is to rid the mass consciousness of the complacent belief that a little metaphysical speculation will free the individual from all responsibility and all the obligations of the mortal state. One of the first duties of man is self-improvement, for only by going through the centuries of self-improvement can we attain that state of wisdom for which we so ardently strive. The practice of mysticism is no substitute for improvement, nor does it give us any knowledge or mastery of the very arts and sciences whose mastery is necessary for our spiritual growth.
Someone will say that mastery of the material arts may be of little or no importance to the spiritual man, because these arts, like other aspects of illusory existence, must eventually dissipate in the light of pure reason. It must be admitted, no doubt, that all human institutions are so full of ignorance and so imperfect that, from the standpoint of ultimate results, they are of only momentary importance; nevertheless, the mastery of these arts and sciences is of greater importance than may at first appear. The first merit of the process of acquiring knowledge lies in discipline. The integrity with which the individual remains true to a certain line of effort is itself the most important factor in the development of the soul.
You may say, of course, that Greek is not spoken in heaven, so why should we learn it on earth?
The answer to this is that it is not the language as such that is important, but the ability to learn it. What is important is the strengthening and specialization of the faculties. In the same way, we study here many subjects that are of no use in the other world, but they are necessary here, and the perfection achieved in them is the most important factor in our future well-being.
Material knowledge may seem to the mystic a mass of trifles. But, as Michelangelo said, "Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle." The thousand experiences of our material existence may seem insignificant in themselves, but together they form a perfection of action, and this perfection is the basis of our divine existence. Let all serious thinkers remember that material existence, with its confusions and discords, is part of the divine plan, and participation in that plan is clearly necessary for the creatures who evolve through it. If we were not required to master the physical world, we would not have been placed here; nor would philosophy approve of us if, while here, we desired above all to escape. On the contrary, we should realize that only those who are faithful in little will be made masters of much [see Luke 16:10; Matt. 25:21]. If we cannot live in this small part of the Universe, how can we become citizens of a grander and much more complex world?..
...Having rescued the character from the clutches of intemperance, it is necessary to proceed to rescue the soul from the general ignorance that limits all action and hinders the right application of effort. Overcoming ignorance even in the most ordinary matters is by no means an easy matter, since man can be compared to a tiny center of mental faculties lost in the vast expanses of the unknown. Plato recommended a deep study of the five sciences to remedy the situation. He considered arithmetic, geometry, solid geometry, music and astronomy to be good remedies for dullness, which is the epilepsy of the soul.
I am afraid that such a program will discourage many people who, knowing almost nothing about anything, believe that they have come very close to cosmic consciousness. The purpose of the disciplines listed by Plato is not to enable man to complete his knowledge with their help, but rather to enable him to interpret the knowledge contained in his own spiritual nature. In order to transform knowledge into power and to bring it into action, it is necessary to train the bearer of knowledge, or the human personality, to understand the light of God within himself.
The inner truth can only be revealed when the outer nature is balanced and educated. Therefore, the first stage of initiation is considered to be passed when the individual begins to judge everything sensibly, has a fully formed mentality, and his emotional and physical activity is subject to strict discipline in all matters concerning material life.
Manly P. Hall
